Criminal Defense Attorney Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Criminal defense attorney jobs in California span public defender offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, large private firms such as Skadden and Latham & Watkins, and boutique criminal law practices. International attorneys licensed in California or eligible for TN visa, H-1B visa, or green card sponsorship will find consistent hiring demand across the state's court-heavy urban centers.
Find Criminal Defense Attorney JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 198+ Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
See all 198+ Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Under the direction of the Director of the Water Justice Clinic, advise clients on potential governance structures, regulatory and corporate compliance, funding options, and rate policies for their water systems; draft and negotiate local government consolidation agreements, land and water rights contracts, corporate bylaws, and asset transfer agreements; provide legal assistance to communities that seek funding for capital improvement projects for drinking water; supervise Clinic students; design and present community education trainings; research and draft comment letters to administrative agencies and local governments on issues affecting drinking water; and develop and implement media strategies to raise awareness.
Apply By Date
November 23, 2026 at 11:59pm
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- JD from ABA-accredited law school; admission and good standing in the California Bar.
- Experience with environmental or land use law, transactional law, or with federal, state or municipal government law.
- Experience interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing legal statutes, regulations, case law, documents, policies, and procedures; proficiency using legal research tools and services (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
- Experience supervising and managing junior lawyers or law students.
- Commitment to working and teaching in a multicultural environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve clients from a wide variety of cultures and experiences.
- Commitment to public interest law and to the strategic and creative use of law for social change.
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail, initiative, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in community-based advocacy, community organizing, teaching, or rural legal services.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
- 85% - Research, Analyses & Legal Representation
- 15% - Outreach and Campus Activities
Department Overview
UC DAVIS SCHOOL OF LAW The UC Davis School of Law is consistently ranked among the premier law schools in the United States overall and in terms of faculty and student quality and diversity. The school has nearly 600 Juris Doctor (JD) students enrolled in the full-time 3-year program, as well as a LL.M Program, certificates in Public Service Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Immigration Law, Intellectual Property Law and Tax Law, and Joint Degree programs, including JD/MBA, and JD/MA. The Water Justice Clinic partners with community organizations and drinking water systems to address current failures in providing safe drinking water throughout rural California. The Clinic utilizes transactional legal tools as well as administrative and policy advocacy to remove the structural and financial barriers that limit low-income communities' access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr.
- Salary Frequency: Annual
- Salary Grade: Grade 25
- UC Job Title: STDT LEGAL SVC ADVISOR 3
- UC Job Code: 000558
- Appointment Type: Staff: Contract - 1 year contract with possibility of extension or conversion to career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Location: Davis, CA
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Travel required - A valid California driver’s license is needed to visit off-site events and meetings.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role - or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
INTRODUCTION
Under the direction of the Director of the Water Justice Clinic, advise clients on potential governance structures, regulatory and corporate compliance, funding options, and rate policies for their water systems; draft and negotiate local government consolidation agreements, land and water rights contracts, corporate bylaws, and asset transfer agreements; provide legal assistance to communities that seek funding for capital improvement projects for drinking water; supervise Clinic students; design and present community education trainings; research and draft comment letters to administrative agencies and local governments on issues affecting drinking water; and develop and implement media strategies to raise awareness.
Apply By Date
November 23, 2026 at 11:59pm
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- JD from ABA-accredited law school; admission and good standing in the California Bar.
- Experience with environmental or land use law, transactional law, or with federal, state or municipal government law.
- Experience interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing legal statutes, regulations, case law, documents, policies, and procedures; proficiency using legal research tools and services (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
- Experience supervising and managing junior lawyers or law students.
- Commitment to working and teaching in a multicultural environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve clients from a wide variety of cultures and experiences.
- Commitment to public interest law and to the strategic and creative use of law for social change.
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail, initiative, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in community-based advocacy, community organizing, teaching, or rural legal services.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
- 85% - Research, Analyses & Legal Representation
- 15% - Outreach and Campus Activities
Department Overview
UC DAVIS SCHOOL OF LAW The UC Davis School of Law is consistently ranked among the premier law schools in the United States overall and in terms of faculty and student quality and diversity. The school has nearly 600 Juris Doctor (JD) students enrolled in the full-time 3-year program, as well as a LL.M Program, certificates in Public Service Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Immigration Law, Intellectual Property Law and Tax Law, and Joint Degree programs, including JD/MBA, and JD/MA. The Water Justice Clinic partners with community organizations and drinking water systems to address current failures in providing safe drinking water throughout rural California. The Clinic utilizes transactional legal tools as well as administrative and policy advocacy to remove the structural and financial barriers that limit low-income communities' access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr.
- Salary Frequency: Annual
- Salary Grade: Grade 25
- UC Job Title: STDT LEGAL SVC ADVISOR 3
- UC Job Code: 000558
- Appointment Type: Staff: Contract - 1 year contract with possibility of extension or conversion to career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Location: Davis, CA
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Travel required - A valid California driver’s license is needed to visit off-site events and meetings.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role - or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
Criminal Defense Attorney Job Roles in California
See all 198+ Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in CaliforniaCriminal Defense Attorney Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa types realistically fit criminal defense attorney roles in California?
Criminal defense attorneys in California can pursue H-1B status, as the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a Juris Doctor degree. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under the TN visa's Lawyer category, provided they hold the necessary law degree and bar admission. EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green cards are also viable long-term paths, typically requiring PERM labor certification filed by the sponsoring employer.
Which companies sponsor visas for criminal defense attorneys in California?
Large law firms with California offices, including Latham & Watkins, Morrison Foerster, and Skadden, have documented histories of sponsoring attorneys on H-1B visas. County public defender offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Alameda occasionally sponsor qualified international attorneys as well. Federal public defender organizations in California's four federal judicial districts are also known to hire foreign-national attorneys in certain circumstances, though sponsorship is never guaranteed.
Which cities in California have the most criminal defense attorney sponsorship jobs?
Los Angeles leads California for criminal defense attorney hiring volume, driven by the country's largest county public defender's office, numerous private criminal law firms, and proximity to federal courts. San Francisco and San Jose see steady demand from both private firms and the Bay Area's federal court system. San Diego's border location generates additional caseloads in federal criminal defense, making it a consistent hiring market for sponsored attorneys.
How to find criminal defense attorney visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists California criminal defense attorney roles filtered to employers with verified visa sponsorship histories, letting you focus on firms and offices that have actually filed for attorneys before. Search by city to compare Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego hiring activity side by side. Because California bar admission is a prerequisite, international candidates should confirm their bar eligibility status before applying to roles listed on Migrate Mate.
Are there any state-specific considerations for international criminal defense attorneys seeking jobs in California?
California requires all practicing attorneys to pass the California Bar Examination, one of the most rigorous in the country. International candidates holding foreign law degrees may sit for the California bar under specific conditions, but should verify eligibility with the State Bar of California directly. Some employers also require active membership in good standing before initiating sponsorship, so candidates pursuing H-1B or TN status typically need to clear bar admission before an employer will begin the visa process.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored criminal defense attorney jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.